How to identify a first printing
- 1976-1990s: Books were issued as signed, numbered, limited editions, usually leather-bound and slipcased; the first (and usually only) edition is identified by the limitation/colophon leaf giving the total copies and the hand-numbered copy number, signed at the limitation page by the author and Jim Rikhoff (and the illustrator where applicable). Common runs were around 1,000 copies.
- 1976-1990s: There is no conventional number line; the numbered limitation leaf plus the absence of a later-printing statement indicates a first. Deluxe/leather sub-issues are separately numbered in a smaller run and form the senior state.
- 1976-1990s: Editions tied to the National Sporting Fraternity membership may carry an additional NSF imprint statement or member numbering — confirm against the limitation page rather than assuming a trade printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded March 1976 by Jim Rikhoff, who had earlier been associated with Winchester Press; Amwell specialized in limited-edition big-game hunting, African safari, and classic sporting reprints.
- Drew a 'who's who' of professional hunters and sportsmen as authors; titles were collectible on publication.
- Continued the Derrydale tradition of signed, numbered, slipcased fine-sporting books as the house norm.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: National Sporting Fraternity (parent/membership arm). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my The Amwell Press (National Sporting Fraternity) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1976-1990s: Books were issued as signed, numbered, limited editions, usually leather-bound and slipcased; the first (and usually only) edition is identified by the limitation/colophon leaf giving the total copies and the hand-numbered copy number, signed at the limitation page by the author and Jim Rikhoff (and the illustrator where applicable). Common runs were around 1,000 copies. 1976-1990s: There is no conventional number line; the numbered limitation leaf plus the absence of a later-printing statement indicates a first. Deluxe/leather sub-issues are separately numbered in a smaller run and form the senior state.
Does The Amwell Press (National Sporting Fraternity) use a number line?
1976-1990s: There is no conventional number line; the numbered limitation leaf plus the absence of a later-printing statement indicates a first. Deluxe/leather sub-issues are separately numbered in a smaller run and form the senior state.
Is a book-club edition a The Amwell Press (National Sporting Fraternity) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded March 1976 by Jim Rikhoff, who had earlier been associated with Winchester Press; Amwell specialized in limited-edition big-game hunting, African safari, and classic sporting reprints.
What era does this cover?
This covers The Amwell Press (National Sporting Fraternity) (1976-1990s/2000s). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.